Bookmaker Paddy Power has satirized FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, with a "FOR SALE" sign placed outside the governing body's headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. The stunt criticizes a controversial proposal to generate approximately £3.1 billion in private investment by selling off portions of the World Cup and the Club World Cup.
The proposal has faced significant backlash. UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC have publicly opposed the plan. Carlos Cordeiro, one of Infantino's senior advisors, resigned in protest, describing the deal as detrimental to football and urging colleagues to speak out.
The "FOR SALE" sign, spotted on Friday morning, featured a message directed at potential investors: "To anyone – anyone – with money, power and a willingness to endure Gianni’s small talk." A spokesperson for Paddy Power stated that the sign was intended to highlight FIFA's apparent willingness to put the World Cup "on the market."
The controversy centers on a new company, tentatively named FIFA Forward Enterprise, which Infantino aims to establish to manage these tournaments and attract private capital. The leaked proposal indicated that member associations were promised a £30 million incentive to approve the deal.
However, the opposition appears to have derailed the plan. With 135 FIFA members reportedly opposing the FIFA Forward Enterprise, the number of dissidents has surpassed the 106 threshold required to block such proposals. This widespread opposition suggests the investment plan is unlikely to proceed.
Amidst the growing criticism, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham also joined calls for Infantino's resignation on Friday afternoon.